Introduction

The capital of Montenegro, Podgorica is also the country’s main business, cultural and administrative hub. Since Montenegro became independent from Serbia, Podgorica has become an alternative destination for many people wanting to explore the Balkans on a budget, being rewarded with breath-taking architecture, surprisingly good food and stunning views.
In Podgorica, there is a growing café culture, while the weather makes it a great place to spend a lazy afternoon, strolling around the rapidly changing city centre. It’s not too far away from the Adriatic coast, while Podgorica is overlooked by the Dinaric Alps and is within a stone’s throw of the scenic Lake Scutari.

Ideal car

Family
A family saloon would have enough power to drive uphill in the north of the city, while it would be better suited for some of the rougher roads in Podgorica.

Driving in Podgorica

R

Road Driving Side

50kmh

Urban Speed Limit

80kmh

Rural Speed Limit

120kmh

Motorway Speed Limit

Important things to note

Some of the roads heading north out of the city towards the border with Serbia can be difficult to drive on in winter due to their comparatively poor condition.
Most of the roads in the city centre are laid out in a grid, making it easier for you to navigate without a satnav system.
Some of the roads in the suburbs may have the odd crack or pothole, so it’s best to approach these routes with caution.

Highlights & Hotspots

Stara Varos, roughly translated as the ‘Old Town’, is probably the most intriguing part of Podogorica for numerous reasons. The streets here are narrow and curvy, much like those found in Turkey, although it’s best explored during daylight.
King Nikola’s Castle is one of the city’s foremost landmarks. Nowadays, it has been turned into a museum which is closed on weekends. The museum contains a few artefacts relating to King Nikola and how he helped to change Montenegro.
If in the city centre, the best street for shopping on is Hercegovacka. Fully-pedestrianized, the street has a mix of global chain stores and local retailers, but has the odd market stall depending on the weather and time of day.
The city’s most notable religious building is St George’s Church, which sits on the slopes of the Gorica hill. The church was built in the 10th century and is one of the best places to learn about life in Podgorica before it became part of the former Yugoslavia.

Airport Information

Podgorica Airport is roughly seven miles south of the city centre. It has one large terminal and a smaller one for passengers. Flights are available to many major cities across Europe, although domestic and regional flights are more commonplace here.The airport can be reached by the E80 highway, which goes south directly towards a link road on your left, turning straight towards the airport.